Management and Engineering in Design Concepts and Structural Engineering of Industrial Facilities

The need for continuous education and specialisation is essential for professionals seeking career development. Especially in today's interconnected industrial world, technically specialised engineers with business and management skills can enjoy new opportunities of employability.

The MSc Management and Engineering in Design Concepts and Structural Engineering of Industrial Facilities (MME-CONSTRUCT) is an industrial engineering Master's degree programme that will train you at the interface of technology and economics.

Specialised engineers in the field of industrial facilities are in high demand, particularly in developing countries. The English-taught MSc MME-CONSTRUCT is an international programme, focusing on structural engineering and risk management of industrial facilities. Particularly in conception and construction of industrial structures, design questions may arise in the interplay of mechanical and civil engineering principles. In order to address these specific needs, this course is designed as an interdisciplinary programme that includes not only technical, but also socioeconomic aspects of civil engineering.

The Master's programme generates highly qualified engineers with excellent knowledge in the field of industrial facilities and specific management skills. The programme combines structural engineering knowledge with an understanding of the social, economic, and political impact of hazard events and intends to train engineers to provide holistic design solutions. Graduates of the programme are able to work in both engineering and disaster management roles.

Educational organisation

The MSc MME-CONSTRUCT comprises two semesters of lectures, exercises, and practical courses in structural engineering of industrial facilities at the RWTH Aachen University along with an 18-week management training at the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) in the Netherlands. The fourth semester constitutes the Master's thesis.

During the management training at MSM, students are trained in small-groups to solve problems related to global transformation and sustainable competitiveness, organisation development, and international project management. In addition, the RWTH School of Business and Economics contributes three management modules during the first year in Aachen.

The final Master's thesis is an independent, pre-defined scientific project to be completed in a fixed period of six months and can be written either at the RWTH Aachen University or the Maastricht School of Management. The Master's thesis is generally concluded by an oral presentation.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend the third semester at MSM Masastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams

Course objectives

Graduates of this Master's degree programme will have gained the skill set and competence to work at the interface of technology and business administration. They will be well-equipped to pursue careers in multidisciplinary fields of industrial facility design and bring management skills to industry, public sector, and non-governmental organisations.

This programme provides application-based knowledge for designing, constructing, and monitoring structures during operation and accidental events in compliance with international building codes. Therefore, graduates will be enabled to carry out site- or structure-specific risk analysis using modern tools to estimate the threat of natural hazards. Additionally, the programme prepares its students for leadership roles in the designing and risk management sectors.

Language requirements

Certified proof of your competence in the English language is required through the completion of one of the accepted examinations listed below:

• TOEFL Internet-based test, minimum of 90 points / paper-based test, minimum of 577 points,
• IELTS test, minimum overall band 5.5 points,
• Cambridge Test - Certificate in Advanced English (CAE),
• First Certificate in English (FCE), completed with a B

Academic requirements

Academic first degree: Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science
Good performance in your undergraduate studies
Fundamentals in Mathematics and Natural Science (18 CP): Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics (at least 10 CP in Mathematics)
Fundamentals in Engineering (20 CP): Mechanics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics (at least 10 CP in Mechanics)
Specific Fundamentals (50 CP): Constructive Engineering (such as Structural Analysis, Concrete, Building Construction, Building Materials, Geotechnology)
Management Fundamentals (10 CP): Management and Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Production and Logistics Marketing, Corporate Finance (may be completed in an online course)

Enrolment fees

Social contribution at the RWTH Aachen University: around 245 EUR per semester
Administration fee for Maastricht School of Management: around 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

International students may take up work in the private sector during the semester or the semester break for up to three months without having obtained a work permit. Students thus may take up full time work for 90 days or part-time positions (up to 4 hours per day) for 180 days. This regulation is also stated on the residence permit. During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with working hours of up to 19 hours a week. During the semester break, students may work full-time, but only for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks.
Student assistants are more flexible as regards working hours, as the 90/180 full and part-time regulations do not apply. As a student assistant, you are allowed to work up to 19 hours per week throughout the year.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Arrival support

The Team for International Students is happy to help you with any question or concern regarding your arrival, study programme, living in Aachen or administrative support. We will gladly answer your questions and provide general information on a vast range of topics. Furthermore, the International Academy will match you with a senior mentor for support. If you have any questions, just let us know!

Services and support for international students

The International Student Programmes team aims to make your stay in Aachen both as productive and as exciting as possible. For the latter purpose, we have a whole array of events and activities in store for you. We provide an extensive social and cultural programme starting from day one of your time in Aachen. Our activities include the following:

• intercultural workshops to help you get a great start in Aachen
• frequent field trips to some of Germany's most notable companies
• seminars that will sharpen your scientific skill set
• job searching seminars preparing you for a successful career in Germany
• career days where you can get in touch with potential employers
• soccer tournaments, casual get-togethers, hikes, holiday celebrations, barbecues, city tours, etc.

Accommodation

Availability of university accommodation in Aachen is limited. Therefore, participation in individual allocation procedures is usually required. Because of the demand for university accommodation, it may be necessary to switch to the private accommodation market.
Apartments for families and couples are in especially high demand. Thus, students must usually search for accommodation on the private market. The majority of RWTH Aachen University's students are reliant upon the private accommodation market.
There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen. The International Office can provide students with information beforehand or upon their arrival.
Prices for university accommodation vary between 200 EUR and 330 EUR per month. Accommodation on the private market is priced between 290 EUR and 550 EUR per month, depending on the size and the number of rooms.
For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels, a few youth hostels, and a boardinghouse located in and around Aachen. (Reservation is recommended.)